Firsthand Learning, Inc., in partnership with the St. Louis Science Center, the National Wildlife Federation, and eNature will implement "Science Firsthand," a unique collaborative program that will enable young people to participate in long-term scientific investigations in life,earth and physical sciences, as well as technology. Youth ages 10-15 will partner with adult mentors to conduct scientific investigations under the auspices of professional scientists. Community-based organizations will identify youth to participate in the program, while informal science institutions will provide laboratory space and needed materials for investigations. Students will present their findings at a Young Investigator's Conference held each fall. Deliverables for this project include an implementation manual for community-based organizations, a professional development seminar for community-based organizations and informal science institutions, and the "Science Firsthand" website. This project will result in the creation of 1,225 co-investigator teams in Buffalo, NY, St. Louis, MO, Newark, NJ, Detroit, MI, and Seattle, WA. Secondary participants will be supported online by eNature, resulting in an additional 3,000 team members.
